Phase Load Balancing in Subscriber Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-phase networks, asymmetries in load distribution lead to increased losses and asymmetrical voltage, which can cause damage to equipment and restrict power usage, necessitating compensating currents that result in unnecessary losses and power limitations for subscribers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to balance load distribution across phases by measuring and controlling electrical variables such as current intensity, allowing for optimal phase utilization and reducing asymmetry, thereby minimizing neutral conductor currents and adhering to maximum power limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If load distribution is left uncontrolled in multi-phase networks, then statistical distribution provides uniform phase utilization, but asymmetries from high-power subscribers cause increased losses and zero point shift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase utilizationVSAvoidnetwork losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors phase load distribution and provides feedback signals to subscribers. The system measures actual phase currents, compares them against target values, and adjusts subscriber loads dynamically to maintain balanced phase utilization while minimizing network losses and zero point shift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms the static load distribution problem into a dynamic control process. Instead of fixed statistical distribution, the system actively adjusts phase loads in real-time based on current network conditions, subscriber demands, and asymmetry measurements, enabling adaptive optimization of both productivity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If compensating currents are introduced in the neutral conductor to counteract asymmetry, then zero point shift is reduced, but unnecessary losses are caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezero point stabilityVSAvoidneutral conductor losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system prevents zero point shift by proactively balancing phase loads before significant asymmetry develops. By continuously monitoring and adjusting loads in advance, the control system eliminates the need for reactive compensating currents in the neutral conductor, thereby maintaining zero point stability without incurring unnecessary losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of load asymmetry into a benefit by using the control system to automatically detect and correct imbalances. Instead of allowing asymmetry to develop and then compensating for it with lossy neutral currents, the system preemptively balances loads, turning the monitoring capability into a loss-prevention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If technical connection conditions enforce maximum asymmetry limits to maintain symmetry, then network stability is preserved, but power transmission capacity is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase symmetryVSAvoidtransmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes operational parameters (phase load distribution) to maintain symmetry within permissible limits while maximizing power transmission. The control system adjusts subscriber loads across phases in real-time, allowing the network to operate at or near maximum capacity without exceeding asymmetry thresholds, thereby optimizing both stability and power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors phase currents, detects asymmetries, calculates optimal load distributions, communicates with subscribers, and enforces symmetry constraints. This multi-functional approach enables the system to maintain phase symmetry while maximizing overall network power capacity without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If high-power subscribers are connected to single phase, then subscriber power demand is met, but maximum asymmetry is exceeded causing power limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubscriber powerVSAvoidphase symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power delivery to high-power subscribers across multiple phases rather than concentrating it on a single phase. The control system divides the subscriber's total power demand among available phases, ensuring that no single phase exceeds asymmetry limits while still meeting the subscriber's overall power requirements through coordinated multi-phase supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2919352B1Method for operating an electric subscriber, an electrical measuring point in a subscriber network and an electrical subscriber and electric measuring point
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 INNOGY NETZE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2919352B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2919352B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2919352B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A power-optimized operation of an electrical subscriber is made possible by measuring an electrical quantity at at least two phases of a transfer point between a distribution network and the subscriber network, determining the difference in the measured electrical quantity between each of the two phases, and operating the subscriber in such a way as to reduce the difference.